Investment in computer science education has been on the rise, with more policymakers recognizing the importance of STEM subjects in preparing students for the workforce, according to the 2024 State of Computer Science Education report. This report, compiled by Code.org, the Computer Science Teachers Association, and the Expanding Computing Education Pathways Alliance, provides a comprehensive analysis of the progress made in providing computer science education at both national and state levels, with a focus on high schools.
The report highlights that while 11 states now require students to earn credit in computer science to graduate from high school, there are still millions of students who lack access to this essential education. With the increasing importance of AI skills in the workplace, learning computer science has become more critical than ever before.
Cameron Wilson, the president of Code.org, emphasized that computer science equips students with essential skills for future careers and goes beyond just technical knowledge. Skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration are developed through computer science education, setting students up for success in various industries.
State policy adoption has been positive, with 39 states implementing at least six of the ten policies recommended by the Code.org Advocacy Coalition. States with more policies in place have a higher percentage of high schools offering foundational computer science courses. Additionally, several states have recently passed graduation requirements in computer science and allocated funding to support computer science education.
Despite progress, there are disparities in access to foundational computer science education, with rural, urban, and smaller high schools less likely to offer these courses. Students from underrepresented groups, such as Black, Hispanic, and Native American students, are also less likely to attend schools that provide foundational computer science education.
Participation in foundational computer science classes remains low, with only 6.4 percent of high school students enrolled in these courses. Women make up 33 percent of students enrolled in foundational computer science nationally, while Hispanic, Latino, and economically disadvantaged students are underrepresented in these classes compared to their overall population.
A recent study from the University of Maryland underscores the importance of investing in computer science education, as offering just one computer science course in high school can increase students’ earnings by at least 8 percent by age 24. This benefit is even more significant for low-income, Black, and female students.
Efforts like the Hour of Code campaign aim to bridge the gap in access to computer science education by introducing millions of K-12 students to coding. Educators play a crucial role in expanding access to computer science for all students and advocating for equity in education.
Overall, while progress has been made in expanding computer science education, there are still disparities in access that need to be addressed to ensure that all students have the opportunity to develop essential skills for future success.
